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Powered Paraglider Frequently Asked QuestionsLAMOUETTE "SKY-BIKE" and WALKERJET PPG'sPerhaps the safest aircraft in the world and certainly one of the easiest to fly, powered paragliders offer the ultimate in affordability, portability and versatility! Traditional foot launch or using a lightweight trike attachment, we can put you in the sky safely and affordably! Questions and AnswersWhat is a Powered Paraglider? Powered paragliders (PPG's) are lightweight, 2 cycle motors which are worn as a backpack. PPG pilots use a standard paragliding wing attached to the motor harness. Isn't it heavy on your back? Motor weights range from 45 to 70 lbs. However, once the wing is over your head, you feel no weight at all...the wing is holding both you and the motor. Upon landing, the weight is gradually transferred back to your shoulders. Is there a way to fly a PPG without using a backpack style motor? YES! The LaMouette trike attaches to the motor in 2 minutes and the pilot takes off and lands sitting down without ever having to lift the motor. What is the wing made of? A paraglider wing is a ram air parachute and is made of non-porous nylon. Cells are sewn into the wing which are open at the front (leading edge) and closed at the back (trailing edge). When the chute is pulled over head, the cells inflate and give the chute it's airfoil or wing shape. The lines which connect the wing to the harness (a kind of nylon "chair" which the pilot sits in during flight) are made of exceptionally strong material. Skydivers use the same kind of line on their chutes, however PPG's are not normally subjected to the same stresses that a suddenly opening skydiving chute is. Do I need a pilots license to fly a powered paraglider? No. PPG's are classified as ultralight aircraft and fall under Part 103 of the FAA regulations. Proper training is essential as with any aviation, however the time required to learn how to fly safely in calm conditions is MUCH less than with other aircraft. Most students are typically airborne after 10-15 hrs. of ground school and flight training. Why is it so easy to learn? A PPG is a very simple flying machine and the controls are very intuitive. If a pilot wants to turn left, he/she pulls the left brake toggle and the wing turns left. There are no ailerons, elevators, rudders or flaps as in a traditional airplane. The key to successful powered paragliding is to master handling the wing on the ground first...and to know when and when not to fly! How fast does it fly? PPG's are among the slowest aircraft. Typical speeds are from 20 to 30 mph but landings are much slower (usually around 3-5 mph depending on the wind conditions) and PPG's flying into the wind can actually hover motionless (i.e. with a ground speed of zero)! What happens if the engine stops? The wing continues to fly normally. In fact, many pilots choose to idle the motor in flight or shut it off completely (in-flight restart is possible). Most landings are made with the motor shut off anyway. How much does it cost? Easily the most affordable form of powered flight, our PPG's start at under $6000 for motor AND wing!!! |
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Tele: (802) 276-3082 OR, TOLL FREE, 1-866-I FLY PPG Copyright 2004 Northeast Skycruisers, LLC All Rights Reserved |
